Terrebonne council holds off again on synthetic drug ban

Published: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 9:39 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 9:39 p.m.

Terrebonne Parish officials postponed action Wednesday on an ordinance that would enable law enforcement to hold business owners accountable for selling synthetic drugs.

The council voted to take no action at its meeting and plans to hold a public hearing on the measure Nov. 28 in the Government Tower in Houma.

Council member Greg Hood, a retired Houma Police officer, said he’s met with state officials in Baton Rouge and with federal Drug Enforcement Agency representatives to make sure the proposed law’s language is up to par.

“I’ve spoken with state Rep. Lenar Whitney, (R-Houma),” Hood said. “She is going to be helping me with the occupational licenses.”

The new ordinance, if approved, would grant the parish authority to revoke business owners’ occupational licenses if they are caught selling designer drugs such as bath salts.

Hood said he plans to meet with District Attorney Joseph Waitz Jr. again this week to put the finishing touches on the proposal.

Council members said the ordinance is needed because even though federal and state laws make it illegal to sell or use synthetic drugs, manufacturers of the drugs have evaded the law. They change the chemicals used, making their version of the bath salts legal and provide a loophole for stores to sell them.

By being vocal, the community can help speed the process to make sure this ordinance is passed, Councilman John Navy said.

“We have to protect our most precious resources, and that is our kids,” Navy said.

Councilwoman Christa Duplantis shared the sentiment.

“These drugs are ruining our children,” she said. “I’m a little ashamed that this whole room is not filled with people backing us. I want these businesses shut down.”

<p>Terrebonne Parish officials postponed action Wednesday on an ordinance that would enable law enforcement to hold business owners accountable for selling synthetic drugs.</p><p>The council voted to take no action at its meeting and plans to hold a public hearing on the measure Nov. 28 in the Government Tower in Houma. </p><p>Council member Greg Hood, a retired Houma Police officer, said he's met with state officials in Baton Rouge and with federal Drug Enforcement Agency representatives to make sure the proposed law's language is up to par. </p><p>“I've spoken with state Rep. Lenar Whitney, (R-Houma),” Hood said. “She is going to be helping me with the occupational licenses.” </p><p>The new ordinance, if approved, would grant the parish authority to revoke business owners' occupational licenses if they are caught selling designer drugs such as bath salts.</p><p>Hood said he plans to meet with District Attorney Joseph Waitz Jr. again this week to put the finishing touches on the proposal. </p><p>Council members said the ordinance is needed because even though federal and state laws make it illegal to sell or use synthetic drugs, manufacturers of the drugs have evaded the law. They change the chemicals used, making their version of the bath salts legal and provide a loophole for stores to sell them.</p><p>By being vocal, the community can help speed the process to make sure this ordinance is passed, Councilman John Navy said. </p><p>“We have to protect our most precious resources, and that is our kids,” Navy said. </p><p>Councilwoman Christa Duplantis shared the sentiment.</p><p>“These drugs are ruining our children,” she said. “I'm a little ashamed that this whole room is not filled with people backing us. I want these businesses shut down.”</p>